OWENSVILLE — After approving the then-believed low bid for the 2024 street paving project to Pierce Asphalt, LLC, on March 18, the Owensville Board of Aldermen on Monday rescinded approval and awarded the project to Capital Paving and Construction.

At the mid-March Board of Aldermen meeting, Owensville Public Works Director Jeff Fahrenholtz introduced three bids to the board, with the base bids being only $1,300 apart.

He told the board Monday that the following day, he was contacted by a representative of NB West Contracting asking how Pierce Asphalt, LLC, outbid them, as the bids are public record once opened.

At first, he thought the numbers may have been transposed, but upon further review, a discrepancy was located, placing Pierce Asphalt’s bid well above the others.

The $9,000 difference was determined to be caused by the bidder not factoring in their mobilization fee.

The original base bids were recorded as $234,134.50 from Pierce Asphalt, LLC, $234,286.45 by Capital Paving and Construction, and $235,476.15 through NB West Contracting, Co.

Pierce Asphalt LLC’s actual bid total was $243,134.50.

“It was an honest mistake,” Fahrenholtz told the board.

The lowest base bid is what determines who is awarded the contract although the price may change based on MoDOT’s asphalt price index the month before scheduled paving.

The base bid includes paving South Spring Avenue from East Jefferson to East Madison, South Spring Avenue from East Lincoln to East Jefferson and East Madison to East Franklin, South Benton from East Lincoln to East Madison, South Benton from East Madison to East Franklin, East Franklin from South Highway 19 to dead end, and East Monroe from South Highway 19 to Spring Avenue.

Bids for additional options were also submitted.

Option A includes South Walnut from East Lincoln to East Jefferson. Capital Paving and Construction bid this option at $21,294, NB West Contracting Co. bid $16,692.15, and Pierce Asphalt LLC bid $17,014.50.

Option B includes East Madison from South Highway 19 to South Spring Avenue. Capital Paving Construction bid this option at $50,508.70, NB West Contracting Co. bid $50,055.15, and Pierce Asphalt LLC bid $51,021.50.

Option C includes East Lincoln from Highway 28 to dead end. Capital Paving and Construction bid this option at $60,266.80, NB West Contracting Co. bid $59,744.65, and Pierce Asphalt LLC bid $60,898.

Option D includes East Jefferson from South Highway 19 to South Spring Avenue. Capital Paving and Construction bid this option at $48,567.20, NB West Contracting Co. bid $48,130.80, and Pierce Asphalt LLC bid $49,060.

With all options included, Capital Paving and Construction’s bid totals $414,923.15, NB West Contracting Co.’s bid totals $410,098.90, and Pierce Asphalt LLC’s bid totals $421,128.50.

“This is going into next year’s budget,” Fahrenholtz told the board in March, “so we can pick and choose what options we can afford to put in as time goes on.”

Owensville City Administrator Randy Blaske advised the board that just over $400,000 was spent last year with all options.

The usual cost is around $300,000, but they have been trying to get as many roads done as possible.

Owensville Ward 2 Alderman Matt Kramme made a motion to approve Capital Paving and Construction’s low bid and Ward 1 Alderman Kevin McFadden seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Curbs and gutters will also be added on both sides of Benton from East Jefferson Street to East Madison Street.

During Monday’s meeting, Fahrenholtz informed the board of three bids he received for the 18-inch storm piping.

Schulte Supply bid this project at $9,653, Core & Main bid $8,708, and Water & Sewer Supply. Inc.. bid $8,001.

The money is available in the Public Works Department’s budget.

A motion to accept the low bid was made by McFadden and seconded by Bohl. It also passed unanimously.